DESCRIPTION
Recognizing young women for their commitment to volunteerism, volunteer leadership achievements and dedication to empowering women worldwide.

The program operates at the Zonta club, district and international levels.

The Zonta Club of Oak Brook offers an award of US$1500. Zonta International offers 37 international awards of US$5,000. Each district may submit one applicant for consideration for an international award. The five largest districts may submit a second applicant for a total of two applicants.

Timetable

The Zonta Club of Oak Brook application deadline
               —————————————————————-28 Feb
Club recipient selected and application is received by governor
—————————————————————-1 April or deadline determined by the district
District recipient selected and application received by Zonta International Headquarters
                —————————————————————-1 May
Official announcement of international recipients
               —————————————————————-1 July

General Information

The goal of the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award is to encourage young women to participate in leadership positions by recognizing the candidate’s commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy.

In order for more women to be represented in key decision-making positions worldwide, we must encourage young women to pursue careers or seek leadership positions in public policy making, government and volunteer organizations and further their education with these aims in view.

Who is Eligible?

Women, aged 16-19 on 1^st April each year, living in a Zonta district or who are citizens of a Zonta country, who demonstrate evidence of the following, are eligible to apply.

• Active commitment to volunteerism.
• Experience in local government, student government, or workplace leadership (paid or unpaid).
• Volunteer leadership achievements.
• Knowledge of Zonta International and its programs.
• Support for Zonta International’s mission of building a better world for women and girls.

Note that applicants from geographic areas within a Zonta district where no clubs are located may apply via a Zonta e-Club or directly to the district to be eligible for the international awards.

Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women, and their family members (ancestors, descendants, adoptees, siblings, nieces or cousins, and those of their spouse or co-habiting partner), are not eligible to apply for the Awards.

Z club and Golden Z club members are eligible to apply. Previous district and international recipients are not eligible to apply to renew the Award for a second year.

How Do I Apply?

The Zonta Club of Oak Brook application may be downloaded from the club’s website.  Note that applications may be submitted to a Zonta club or district in the language(s) accepted by the club of district by the deadline printed on the application.  Only typed applications will be accepted and considered.

Application Requirements

• Completion of the official application.
• Verification of current enrollment by school/institute official (if applicable), or ❑ Letter from employer stating employment (if applicable).
• Two recommendations from adults, not related to the applicant, such as teachers, school officials, employee supervisors or community leaders, which must be sent directly to the Zonta club or district and not through the applicant.

Supporting documentation not requested will not be considered. All applications and supporting information become the property of Zonta International. Zonta International has final authority over any aspect of the Awards.  

Application Process

The application process must start with a Zonta club. All application materials must be received at a Zonta club by the deadline given by the individual club. The Zonta Club of Oak Brook application may be downloaded from:
http://zontadistrict6.org/oakbrook/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Zonta-Club-of-Oak-Brook-YWLA-application.pdf

In addition to selecting the Zonta Club of Oak Brook’s award recipient, the club will also send the club’s winning application to the Zonta governor representative. A district evaluating committee reviews the applications and selects one applicant per district to submit to Zonta International Headquarters. The five largest districts in terms of Zonta membership may submit a second applicant to Zonta International Headquarters. The Zonta International Headquarters team confirms the eligibility of the applicants put forth by the districts and submits a recommendation to the Zonta International Board (or the Executive Committee acting on its behalf) for final approval. If approved by the Zonta International Board, the Zonta Foundation for Women provides awards and certificates to the international recipients.

How May I Use the Award Funds?

1. The Zonta Club of Oak Brook award (US$1500) may only be used for tuition, fees and materials (books, supplies and equipment for required courses ) at a secondary school, college, or university.
2. There are no restrictions on the use of the Zonta International award funds.
3. Please note: If the applicant is studying at a secondary school, university or college, Zonta International is offering a “scholarship” type of payment to be used for tuition and/or living expenses. Please see below under Tax Considerations.
4. Recipients are not permitted to defer the Zonta Young Women in Leadership Award.
5. Recipients may accept additional grants and awards from other sources.

Tax considerations for the Zonta International Award

The following considerations will help define which type of payment will fit the applicant’s purposes best.

* “Award”: with no restrictions for use. As an award, it is taxable income under U.S. tax    regulations. To comply with the law, all awardees will receive tax forms. Also, according to U.S.    tax regulations, 30% of the award must be withheld from awards made to non-U.S. residents. If Zonta    International is notified that there is a U.S. tax treaty with the resident’s country, the    withholding will be appropriately adjusted.

* “Scholarship”: to be used for tuition, fees and materials (books, supplies and equipment)    required for courses at a secondary school, college or university only. As a scholarship to be used    for tuition, fees and materials, the income is tax free.

* “Scholarship”: to be used for living expenses while attending a secondary school, college or    university. Although tuition and related expenses are tax free, income used for living expenses is    considered taxable income. Tax forms will be provided to all awardees, as required. Withholdings    range from $ 0 (tax treaty), 14% (appropriate student VISA) to 30% for non-U.S. residents.    □ Supplemental awards and scholarships that are paid directly paid by a club or district will  follow the tax regulations of their taxing authority (see above, ‘How many I use the Award Funds’ – 1.)